I love trying new craft products. And through my experience, I’ve found a handful of items that I absolutely love and will not go without. I’ve compiled a link of my favorite products and links for where to find them incase you’re inspired to use them too!
Adhesive
For a Tape Runner, I use the Thermoweb Tape Runner XL for my projects. When I began card making, a store clerk recommended the tape runner on my very first visit for card supplies (I also picked up my first Envelope Liner Template kit on this visit too!).
For projects where I need a good liquid glue to get into small spaces/crevices, I really like UltraBond Permanent Adhesive. This is really fantastic for gluing down embellishments to your project, as well!
Blending Brushes and Tools
I currently use the Picket Fence Studios Life Changing Blending Brushes and am happy with them!
I’ve noticed that a lot of blending brushes really have the same sort of qualities. However, what I like is the flexibility of the plastic in the “neck” of the brush.
Cutting Machines
Right now, I have 3 machines that I love to use for different cutting projects, and they all do something a little bit different:
Cricut Explore Air 2: I love my Cricut, so very much (mine’s the Persimmon color and I’ve named him Jiminey Cricut). My Cricut Explore Air 2 was the first machine I decided to purchase. I use this machine to cut out shapes that I design on Cricut Design Space. I really do appreciate and understand their software platform, because I think it’s really user friendly to either utilize the existing shapes or design your own.
I do participate in the Cricut Access, which is $9.95 a month, and the more I think about it, it really isn’t a necessity. What it is, however, is incredibly convenient, as there are so many pre-loaded shapes, fonts and designs that you’d normally have to pay to use, but are included with your subscription. Now, I have a small background with Photoshop, so realistically, I can create these shapes on my own. I would recommend using the Cricut Access Free Trial to get a knack for the software, and then try to ease your way into uploading your own images.
See all the Free Projects in Cricut Design Space
Note: I used to purchase cut files and cut them out with my Cricut, however the next machine has been a game changer and doesn’t require me to use cut files any more!
Brother Scan and Cut: If you are a stamper that colors, this machine is an absolute treasure. You run your stamped and uncut images through on a sticky mat, and the machine detects the images, allows you to select which ones to cut out, decide if you want any sort of border around the image, then then CUTS IT OUT. Seriously, this machine has saved me so much time and money (no cut files and no coordinating dies needed).
One thing: the sticky mat provided will most likely lose it stick after a couple uses. A fellow crafter recommend purchasing a Silhoutte mat, cutting it down to a 12″x12″ square, and adhering it to the cutting section of the Brother Mat with Double Sided Tape. I did this and it it makes my machine so much more hassle free!
Crafter’s Companion Gemini Junior Die Cutting Machine: This machine is not a necessity, but an absolute convenience. I love that I don’t have to worry about cranking my dies through my handheld machine. The Gemini Junior is definitely a great splurge item OR a great item to ask for as a Birthday or Holiday Gift!
A little bit of a tip about larger ticket craft items. Do research on forums/websites that have local listings of items for sale to see if you can pick up a gently used item for a hefty savings. When I first started crafting, I really wanted to start using Die Cuts, but couldn’t justify spending a bunch on a machine that I only had maybe 1 or 2 die cuts for. I ended up finding a listing from someone a few towns over that was selling their Cricut Cuttlebug Die Cut Machine, which I was able to pick-up for $20! The best part is, it had only been used once! That little guy has gotten me through a lot of die cut usage!
I’ve also seen some stories of people finding crafting supplies at garage sales, estate sales, and thrift shops like Goodwill, so those may also be worth checking out as well!
Coloring- Markers
I almost exclusively use Copic Sketch markers. Some people prefer Sketch, and others Classic. I like Sketch because I’ve found that they’re easier to find in-person to purchase and I believe they come in the most colors.
Do your research before shopping. I’ve bought my Copic Markers at several locations.
One of my favorite store to buy them at is ScrapbookPal. They offer free shipping for orders $50 or more, carry a huge selection of colors, and sometimes offer amazing sales to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to Copic Markers.
Also, if you have a location near you, check and see if your local Big Box Retail Craft Store carries Copic Markers. Most of the larger retailers offer heavy single item coupons almost weekly, and I’ve found you can use these coupons at Copics at most stores. I’ve gotten Copic Sketch markers for as little as $3.20 brand new and in-person, so you don’t have to worry about shipping!
Dies
Nesting/Stackable Dies
When it comes to no frills, best value nesting dies in standard shapes, I prefer the Hero Arts Infinity Nesting Dies. You get a bunch of sizes, and for a really good price. You can check them out here, but I have also seen them pop up in the past from various retailers where you can snag them with a coupon, giving you even more bang for your buck!
If you love dies with stitched edges, I really love the different Lawn Fawn Stackable Dies. There are so many different options to choose from, but I strongly believe that the Outside-In Stitched Rectangle Stackables are a MUST (bonus if you pair them with the Large Stitched Rectangle Stackables).
If you are looking for a starting set of Card Basics Dies, I recommend the Card Basics Die Set by Kindred Stamps. It has a couple shapes with stitching that are perfect for anyone beginning their die collection!
Scene Building Dies
If I was to teach a “Scene Building 101” seminar, my first rule would be that every scene building crafter needs a good grass die and a good tree die. My favorite grass dies are the Grassy Border die and the Simple Grassy Hillside dies by Lawn Fawn. For a good tree die, I love the Tree Scene Craft Die by Kindred Stamps and the Woodland Die by Stamp Anniething.
Outside of my Rule #1, I have 4 go-to companies when it comes to other dies that add details to a scene you’re trying to put together!
- Kindred Stamps has fantastic border dies that help create little silhouettes and give your projects a lot of character! I believe I have every single border die that’s become available. The Graveyard Craft Die is an absolute must for crafters who love spooky and Halloween creations!
- Pink & Main has a fantastic selection of both standard shape dies, cover dies to give your entire card a fun design, and some unique designs as well that you won’t find anywhere else! The Plaid Cover Die Bundle is a must, and allows for so many fun color combinations!
- Lawn Fawn is really the main reason that I fell in love with dies. I just adore all the fun products they come out with, and how the add on to certain dies over time (for example, the Magic Iris has had a new add-on each release since the main die itself came out). I have so many favorites, and right now I absolutely adore the Build-A-House set and the Lift the Flap Tree Die.
- Stamp Anniething has the best value, in my opinion, when it comes to Scene Building Dies. They come in an adorable teal color, and are incredibly durable. The Woodland Builder Die set is fantastic for creating that woodsy scene! They also have some incredibly unique scene builder dies that I haven’t seen elsewhere, including: Volcano Builder Die, Viking Ship Builder Die and Coliseum Builder Die.
Embellishments & Shaker Bits
When it comes to shaker sequins and half bead embellishments for my projects, I really use a lot of the goodies that you can find in the Kindred Stamps store. They have some amazing Sparkletz and Shimmerz options by Buttons Galore, along with some super cute Clay Slice shapes that add a really cute and whimsical element to your projects!
I also LOVE Doodle’s Paper Playground’s Sparkle Blend collection! Amber comes up with some amazing mixes that are just the perfect addition to your project, ESPECIALLY if you love shakers!
Envelopes
Paper Source is my one of my favorite shops for envelopes. They sell envelopes in multiple sizes and multiple colors.
Side Note: Paper Source has locations all around the United States. I wouldn’t consider Paper Source one of those Big Box Retailers because they make several products for their own stores. If you have a location near you, stop in and check out everything they have. Their Paper Bar is a DREAM.
I also have come to love the Gina K Designs Envelopes quite a bit as well! I love that they match her cardstock and ink colors!
Envelope Liners
If you’re using Paper Source for their envelopes, you need to invest in their Envelope Liner Template Kit. This is a must. It’s a 1-time investment (just don’t accidentally cut yours like I did), and will take your card to the next level.
Find the Paper Source Envelope Liner Template Kit Here
Learn to Make Your Own Envelope Liners Here
Check out my Envelope Liners 101 Post
Foiling
When it comes to foil choices, I use Therm O Web’s Deco Foil for almost everything. They have a wide range of foil colors, and even have some patterned foil choices as well.
I love that you can use their Deco Foil Transfer Gel Duo with either a heat or pressure transfer tool, which gives the product a lot of versatility.
I also love the toner card fronts, as they offer some really unique designs that require no stenciling or gel application (these are heat transfer only). They are such an easy way to add elegance to your project!
Glitter Gels & Gloss
I really enjoy using are the Gina K Glitter Glitz Gels by Therm O Web! These come in a larger container (they are the most expensive gels I’ve seen on the market, but you do get a very nice amount), and there is almost a creaminess to the Glitter Glitz Gels when you spread them! They’re super easy to use, and Rina K also has a line of her neon colors in Glitz Gels as well! Current favorites include: Black, Brilliant Blue & Poppin’ Pink!
Side note: Therm O Web typically offers free shipping at various amounts, almost always less than $50, so it’s definitely worth checking out their website! There is usually a handful of great items always on sale as well!
Ink for Blending
Ranger Ink Distress Oxide Inks are my go-to when creating any sort of background. I’ve found that the Distress Oxide inks blend so beautifully with a good foam blending tool or blending brush.
I also really enjoy using Ranger Ink Distress Inks and Catherine Pooler Dye Inks when I want that super vibrant inked look!
If you are just starting your ink collection for blending, think about what you want in an ink to determine what you should buy. If seamless ombrés are what you’re going for, you simply cannot go wrong with the Ranger Ink Distress Oxide Inks. If you’re wanting a more vibrant color, and are also looking for a colored ink to use for sentiment and solid image stamping, Catherine Pooler Dye Inks are really one of my personal favorites (as long as you’re ok with some stamp staining).
Additionally, all of the inks listed above are water reactive and can get those really cool “bleach spots” when spritzed with water.
Ink for Coloring
I’ve actually tried a few inks for coloring my images with Copic Markers. You do have to be careful to choose the correct ink so it won’t bleed when you start to color.
I am exclusively using the Ink on 3 Blackout Ink for coloring up my images with Copic Markers. The Blackout Ink dries incredibly quickly, captures an image’s details well, and, depending on the image, can most times be used directly from an acrylic block in 1 impression! It’s a must have in my book!
For those images that take more than 1 impression, I highly recommend investing in a MISTI if you haven’t already!.
Ink- General Use
Recently, I’ve been using the VersaFine Clair by Tsukineko and woah, they’ve been fantastic. They are super deep colors and make for great sentiment ink!
Also, Catherine Pooler Inks come in a variety of colors and are also fantastic for general stamping. These inks do stain your stamps, which of course doesn’t prevent your stamps from working properly (a lot of crafters consider a stained stamp “well-loved”). However, the Nuvo Stamp Cleaning Solution is the best cleaner option I’ve seen at getting as much ink off as possible.
Neon Inks
I have also really enjoyed using the Rina K Electro Pop Inks. I love that it is a smaller collection of 8 colors (currently, Blaring Blue & Poppin’ Pink are my favorites). Because this is a neon ink, I have convinced myself (without doing any formal research) that the ink is made-up differently than your standard dye inks. And, given the consistency of the ink, I wouldn’t consider it a pigment ink either. So, while I love using these for ink blending, here are some “Justin Tips” when using the Rina K Electro Pop Inks:
- Electro Pop inks do well for ink blending, and I have found that some form of foam applicator tool works the best. These inks do stain, and also, because I don’t believe they are made the same as dye and pigment inks, I believe it is best to keep your Neon Ink Blending Tools separate from your other inks to prevent cross contamination.
- Electro Pop inks are not water reactive, so if you spritz them with water, you’re not going to get the effect you’re looking for. I have tried this with a couple project, and have noticed that you actually get some darker spots. So I would discourage water spritzing.
- Electro Pop inks do not do well with my “ink splattering” technique (where I smoosh some ink onto a glass mat, add some water to make it thinner, pick it up with a cheap water color brush and tap the brush over my project). These inks will make your water color brush get gunky and not be able to use the brush for future splattering until you clean it thoroughly.
- Now, I’ve asked a few people about this next item, and nobody seems to notice this the way that I do, but Electro Pop Inks have a bit of a scent to them that is strong. It almost reminds me a bit of ammonia. So, be aware but not alarmed that your Neon Ink Pad might smell differently than your other inks.
Paper
Paper is such an extensive category, so here are the categories I mostly have specific types of paper for:
Ink Blending Paper
For me, the Strathmore Bristol Smooth 300 Series Paper is the go-to when it comes to blending inks, specifically Distress Oxide Inks. it’s a must in my craft stash! This also works incredibly well for ink smooshing techiques!
Colored Cardstock
When I want a piece of colored paper, I mostly reach for my stash of Gina K. Designs Colored Cardstock. She has a fantastic selection of colors, and the paper has a sturdy weight as well!
Coloring Cardstock
When coloring up my images with Copic Markers, I recommend 3 different types of paper:
- Copic BLENDING CARD X-Press It Paper Pack– This paper is really fantastic to color your images on, but it does carry a larger price point. I have also had friends say it is not the easiest to use with a Brother Scan N’ Cut as well. So I would recommend this paper to those who are HAND STAMPING their images, FUSSY CUTTING or USING COORDINATING DIES, and are OK WITH THE HIGHER PRICE POINT. When I use this: Almost all the time for hand-stamped images, unless I know I need to use my Scan N Cut for intricate images that I don’t own dies for. I never use this for digital stamps.
- Neenah Classic Crest 80 LB Smooth Solar White– From my observations, this is the paper I hear most people using on the market. It colors well, cuts well with various machines, and falls in the middle of price points between my other 2 listed recommendations. I would recommend this paper to someone who is LOOKING FOR A GOOD ALL AROUND PAPER and OK WITH NOT GETTING THE LEAST EXPENSIVE OPTION. When I use this: When I need to use my Scan N Cut for a hand-stamped image.
- Hammermill Cardstock, Premium Color Copy, 32 lb,- 100 Bright– This paper gets the job done, and I reserve it specifically for whenever I need to print digital stamps, as the paper is not overly expensive. I would recommend this paper to someone who is USING DIGITAL STAMPS, and/or would prefer to follow a more RESTRICTED CRAFTING BUDGET. When I use this: Whenever I need to print a digital stamp.
Mixed Media Papers
Any time I reach to use a Mica Spray, or I need a paper that will dry well when I have a lot of wet product used on top of it, I reach for Distress Heavystock paper. It’s extremely heavy in terms of it’s paperweight, and my inks and sprays dry really well onto it. I have a small stash of it, and use it sparingly because it does carry a bit of a higher price tag, but it’s well worth the investment!
Stencils
I have to be honest… this section is going to be incredibly hard for me to write because I just love stencils so much. There are so many fun ways to use them, and different stencils are good for different styles and techniques. So, here we go:
Pattern Stencils:
When I say pattern stencils, these are most likely the first type of stencil you think of: a repetitive pattern that helps you blend/create a beautiful patterned element to place on your card. When it comes to patterned stencils, the following companies are my go to’s, and I’ve listed some of my favorite stencils from them under each company:
Scene Building Stencils:
Scene building stencils are great for when you want your project to look like a specific setting: a home, a stage, the sky, the forest, etc. There are a few companies that I very much enjoy using their scene building stencils because it makes it easy to allow those locations to come to life in a project:
Please note that any specific stencils listed above are just some of my personal favorites that I find myself reaching for often! I encourage you to check out the retailers listed above and find what stencils may be your own favorites! My favorite stencils change from time to time, so i will keep you posted with any new ones that pop up!
I wanna hear from you!
- Are there any categories that I missed that you’d like to know more about?
- Have you tried any of the above products and have your own positive opinions (I don’t want this page to be used for any form of company bashing, and those comments will be deleted)?
- Do you have any suggestions for items that you think I might love?
I would love to hear from you! Please comment below and I will get to your comments as soon as I can!
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What product do you use in place of Versa Mark? It is more sticky.
Right now, I have been using the Embossing Ink Pads from both Kindred Stamps and Pink & Main. I like how they work with my embossing. I also recommended using some sort of an anti-static tool when embossing as well! 😀
What tape do you use as a removable and non tearing tape to hold down dies or masking off edges?
Hi Leana! I use Mint Tape from Scrapbook.com mostly! I also reach for Pixie Tape by Therm O Web sometimes, as well!